The move is believed to have been prompted by the change programme implemented by Wonga’s new chairman, Andy Haste, who took up his role in July.

The change programme involves a restructure of Wonga’s lending model, which will see it shrink its UK business by tightening its lending criteria to make fewer loans to a smaller number of people.

Maitland has represented Wonga for the past two years during a tumultuous time for the lender.

During that time, Archbishop Justin Welby criticised Wonga for its lending methods and earlier this summer it emerged that the company had sent letters in the names of fictitious law firms in an attempt to pressure some customers into settling their debts.

PRWeek understands that Wonga is happy with the service Maitland provided during the past two years but that it felt a fresh perspective on its business was now needed and that only hiring a new comms firm could provide this.

Tulchan’s brief will be to provide comms and communicate changes in Wonga’s business as they occur.

John Moorwood, director of comms at Wonga Group, said: "Maitland has been a trusted and valued partner over the past couple of years, helping us manage a number of serious reputational challenges and an unprecedented level of interaction with the media. I want to thank it for all its hard work and advice."